Nurses, doctors and staff at Royal Preston Hospital got a surprise during Thursday (11 October) as a random act of kindness took place.

Visitors from the University of Central Lancashire came bearing gift bags of hot drinks and biscuits to thank NHS staff for their hard work.

The staff and students from Preston’s university visited 36 wards around the city’s hospital.

As well as the hospital there were also acts of kindness at the railway station as people were met with flowers and goody bags.

Spreading a little cheer at the railway station

On campus the university put on its Kindness Kabin for any students needing a break.

Senior lecture in employability Dr Lorraine Dacre-Pool was the woman behind the acts of kindness.

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She said: “The whole University got behind the initiative and people were overwhelmed by the many meaningful gestures made by colleagues and friends. To then take this out into the community and thank our front-line NHS staff for everything they do, particularly in its 70th year, was fantastic.”

Nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals director for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Gail Naylor said: “This was a really pleasant and humbling act from the UCLan team and we really appreciate them thinking of us and our hard working staff so I’d personally like to thank them for that.

“I know how much colleagues appreciated the thoughtful surprise and I hope this goes to show what a morale boost a little kindness can give to everyone.”

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